Hawaii Prep repeats as D2 champs with 2-1 overtime win over Saint Louis

Ka Makani celebrates after a first half goal against the Crusaders in the Queen's Medical Center/HHSAA Division II championship game. Crizalmer Caraang Jr. | SL

WAIPAHU — Hawaii Prep won its second straight state title after defeating Saint Louis in overtime, 2-1, in the Queen's Medical Center/HHSAA Division II championship game Monday afternoon at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.

Ka Makani, who won their second state title in three tries, breezed through the competition, outscoring all of their opponents, 17-3, in this year's state tournament.

"It came down to being resilient and our guys being able to dig deep," said HPA coach Rich Braithwaite. "It was one of those seasons were everything went well. Every tight game went our way. But it was the quality of leadership this year from our captains and seniors. They allowed us to be consistent all year."

HPA dominated the entire first half with crisp passing while Saint Louis waited to try and catch them on the counter attack.

"Kind of a really ugly game," said coach Braithwaite. "They (Saint Louis) were one of the most organized aggressive defenses that we've played against. We really had a hard time of getting in to a rhythm but I think we actually did a really good job of keeping them out of rhythm too."

Ka Makani would open the scoring after 22 minutes of play to make it 1-0. After defending a Saint Louis corner kick, Ka Makani dribbled the ball all the way down to the Saint Louis goal. Sophomore forward Toby Balaam played a ball to senior defender Noah Wise, who shot a high and powerful shot into the goal.

In the second half the rhythm of the game was stalled by the amount of fouls that were called. Both teams combined for 17 fouls in the second half and 33 fouls total.

Eventually, one of those many fouls would benefit the Crusaders. After sophomore Nick LaManna was fouled on the edge of the 18-yard box, junior Matt Watkins scored from a direct free kick in the 69th minute. Watkins hit a low shot that was originally saved by the goalkeeper, but was hit with back spin and the ball managed to roll in after the initial save.

Regulation time ended with both teams tied 1-1.

When overtime started, both teams missed great opportunities on goal. But the decisive goal came just three minutes into overtime.

Sophomore defender Sihkea Jim collected the ball right outside the 18 yard box and blasted a low shot into the bottom right corner of the goal to seal the win for HPA. Saint Louis goalie Markus Foehr managed to get a hand on it, but Jim's shot was too powerful to keep out.

"It feels really good to win a second state title," said Jim. "Now everyone will be out to get us."

For Saint Louis, this was the first time that the Crusaders have ever made it to the Division II state soccer finals.

"It was a really entertaining year," said Saint Louis coach Rick Sandry. " They (HPA) are really clinical. They are good at passing. They did not do anything that we didn't expect; we just weren't able to keep up when it mattered. Lot of highs and a lot of lows, but it was a fun year."

Hawaii Prep also finished the season undefeated.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank my two assistant coaches," said coach Braithwaite. "They are incredibly hard working and they do the work that I cannot do. We always get so much support from HPA, specifically from (athletic director and girls soccer coach) Steve Perry. After watching the girls win the finals two years in a row is huge for us to see how it's done. I really want to thank the quality of the club coaching. And finally, and definitely most important, I would like to thank my wife who is with our two young kids all the time so I can put in time and energy with these guys."

The match was originally scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10, but was canceled due to heavy rain and high winds.